City Housing Development Project Delayed

The Mackinac Island housing development project for yeararound residents will be postponed until the spring, at least. While the city council wanted to begin construction this fall, Mayor Margaret Doud said Monday, November 19, that the project will have to wait, as the firm working with the city has yet to determine how much the project will cost. Two buildings, each with six apartments, will be built in the first phase of the project, which will be followed by another two buildings in the second phase.

Costs associated with the project increased after the city council made some changes to the initial site plan that was approved by the city Housing Committee. Some city council members advocated for a three-bedroom apartment added to each building, as well as detached storage sheds, rather than ones attached to the backs of the buildings.

The housing development firm working with the city, Cinnaire, is seeking to secure grants and other funding to offset the construction costs. The rents of the apartments will be managed by the Community Action Agency in St. Ignace.

Mayor Doud asked that the housing development team discuss the costs of the project in early December.